Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hiring topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves McKenzie Couch as district 6–12 activities and athletic director
Summary
The board approved McKenzie Couch as the district's 6–12 activities and athletic director after discussing his 15 years of teaching, about 12 years of coaching, transition supports and required MHSAA training. The hire was approved by voice vote; no full roll call appears in the transcript.
The school board voted to approve McKenzie Couch as the district’s 6–12 activities and athletic director following a presentation about his experience and a brief discussion of transition plans and compensation. The motion to approve was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.
The presenter told the board Couch has about 15 years of teaching experience and roughly 12 years of coaching, citing positive references and Couch’s ‘‘genuine’’ approach to building relationships with students and staff. ‘‘He’s passionate about athletics and I think he’ll be a good fit here,’’ the presenter said.
Board members asked questions about Couch’s current employment and family logistics. The presenter said Couch is currently employed in Manhattan; his wife is enrolled in a PA program at KSU that will require some on-campus time, and the family has been looking for housing. The presenter also said Couch’s son is expected to enter third grade, the only elementary grade with available space in the district, and that family enrollment conversations figured into Couch’s planning.
Board members and staff described transition and onboarding supports. Staff said a month-by-month checklist and an existing uniform and inventory rotation spreadsheet will help Couch take over operations; Nate, the current athletic director, is expected to meet with Couch on site to walk through procedures. The presenter also noted a required MHSAA training for new ADs and an optional MHSAA mentorship program the district plans to use.
A board member asked whether the AD position is paid as salary or stipend. The presenter said the role is a stipend, calculated according to the district’s CBA formula, and covers the year and seasons the AD must support.
Chair Karen called for the vote. The transcript records vocal support with an ‘‘Aye’’ and the motion was approved. The transcript does not include a full roll call or a numerical tally of votes.
The board moved on to a separate action item to create a middle school athletic coordinator role.
